Benefits Of Pipe Organ Maintenance

By Amy Gray


The world is well known by many people for its many unique heritages. One is the collection of prominent instruments called pipe organs. It is a specialized musical instrument that is part machine, furniture, and a form of the building. It, therefore, requires proper maintenance for it to produce the best sound quality. An expert is needed for a pipe organ maintenance to be performed accordingly.

For quality sound production, there is a need for regular checkups. By tuning the primary keys, crystal clear sound can be easily achieved. The act can be done twice a year, mostly at the end of cold and warm seasons. An expert is required for the task to be performed accordingly. It also helps avoid further damage to the organ. Care should be taken to prevent tampering with the original pitch.

Every note needs to be played differently but infrequent time intervals. It helps increase organs durability. Mostly, this is done to the organs that are not used regularly. It helps prevent dust particles and dirt from entering the pipes. Other parts that rely on wind conduction are also saved from this action. For ultimate instrument maintenance, there is a need to ensure that the required degree of humidity is in place.

Leather and wood used to make the organ wear out as time passes by. They need to be renewed once this has been noted. Proven impregnation solutions are used for the treatment of such perishable materials. Once the soundboard is dismantled, the opening of the note channels is done first. If the damage is quite bad, the parts are replaced with new parts. The pieces require being constructed exactly as the original part.

Change of temperature in a room with an instrument affects the functionality. Caution should be taken if an apartment is heated. Attention needs to be given to the temperature of the room for it may prevent the wooden parts from drying. Spraying insecticides can curb insects that destroy wood. The organs should be left alone by ensuring favorable conditions are provided. This will reduce the need for restoration work.

One of the essential ways to maintain the instrument is by choosing a trusted organist. One with the understanding and appreciation of the duty delegated to them. The capability of observing and reporting any damage after assessment should be their firm values.

Since the pipes are made of alloys of lead and tin, they are very delicate when handling. Simple knocks or bumps can cause major dents destroying the quality of the instrument. One should, therefore, handle them carefully to minimize damage. Thus, owners or technicians can avoid incurring a massive loss.

Organs dated back in the 17th century form an oxide layer on the metal pipes surface, making their color change to a black tone, and they also become stiffer like the shell of a crab. One should leave them as they are for polishing them will make them making lose their historic sound quality completely. Touching them with fingerprints tarnishes their surface. It could also activate rust, making them look ugly. Some shops use a clear varnish to finish the pipes. Rust is therefore put at bay reducing the cost of maintenance. Entrusting the passage of time is one of the best moves.




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